Shopping online certainly has had an impact on commodity items but when it comes from your mind and through your body and out of your own hands, you need to be able to see and feel your tools in person to select for your next art project. Central Art Supply is that place to go for your next project as they have a wide selection to choose from. Touted as, "Southern Oregon's Candy Store for Artists", you are sure to find just the right items to get your fix. Be sure to participate in their events and classes as it is a great way to connect to other artisans and share best practices for your next project. Central Art is committed to be the up-to-date source for all your artistic needs whether it is in supplies, framing, inspiration, ideas and events. Another great thing is that they are passionate about art and they are willing to answer any question that you have and if they don't know the answer they are diligent in researching a solution for you. Service is tops.

Merrie is the hardest working and most industrious gal that I know. On top of co-ownership in Capers, she also owns a couple of locations of Spoons which includes her flagship store in downtown Medford. Spoons is a very small soup kitchen for primarily to-go orders for the downtown workforce. You have to get in before lunch to make sure that she has not run out of your desired soup as they go quickly every day. I always enjoy their soup but also like her loaded baked potatoes. My favorite is the potato loaded with chili, onions, cheese but her cheese and broccoli is super good too. Spoons turns into a daily habit very quickly with reasonable prices and great food. When you do stop in, be sure to tell Merrie "hi" - if you can catch her as she is always on the run. What a great place to enjoy a quick lunch.

Yes, it's a country bar and yes it's a lot of fun. They commonly have live bands on the weekends and every now and again they have a big name artist come into play in little ole' Downtown Medford. If you ever wanted to learn to line dance or even brush up on you two step or swing, the giant dance floor and friendly atmosphere makes it easy to make friends and dance the night away. I am not a fan of bar food but they have figured that out by hiring a chef and their hamburgers are incredible. Not sure if it's the sauce or the cut of meat but they do a really good job. On top of all of that, the place is huge and spacious and gives you a lot of room to spread out and enjoy yourself. They have two full bars and the staff is fast and friendly. It is one of the best clubs in Southern Oregon and certainly the best country spot in Downtown Medford.

Open the door to Morrissey's Clothes Cottage and walk into a gallery-like presentation of fresh and playfully sophisticated comfort wear for women. A sassy tee stands next to a basic pant. A skirt with an uneven hemline may be topped with a shabby chic shirt or paired with a demure blouse. All are accessorized in such a way as to get your creative juices going. It's an eclectic mix of sassy new and softly used (re-sale) styles for everyday living. Every fabulous piece is sensibly priced and of the finest quality. We have hats, purses and a small selection of shoes appropriate to the season. Most of the jewelry is hand crafted by local artisans and are "one of a kind" treasures. Each and every element of an outfit creates a look that reflects who you are and how you want to feel for the day. We are all about helping you express yourself to your full and dazzling potential. Welcome!

Capers is tucked under the old Woolworth's building and it's so easy to miss when driving by. Thankfully we have been able to spend many meals with Ron and his staff as they have great food and have personality plus. I am not usually comfortable in a fine dining restaurant so I am happy that that fellow diners are casual to properly dressed so the surroundings lend an appeal to everyday apparel. The food is nothing short of of phenomenal. It does funny things in my mouth and I get to experience dishes that I would never otherwise cook for myself. The presentation is fun and coined the term "art on a plate". Ok, maybe I am not the first to use it but it certainly portrays my perception of the meal. I was always treated like a friend or extended family member and never just a customer. Ron and chef commonly come by to see the smiles and extend a genuine welcome home greeting.

So my wife and I have a long standing history here as Heather used to work for Sonja at Middleford Yarn Shop which started by Badass Coffee and migrated down to the end of Central. After many years, Sonja needed a change and my wife and I bought the yarn shop and we moved it to downtown Medford. Actually, that is where shopdowntown.org got it's start. So running a shop wasn't for us and Jennie decided to buy it and make it her own! Go Jennie! She is doing great and helping people find the best yarn for their projects and holding classes that improve skills. The shop is filled with artisan fibers and it is unlikely that you would find the coarse acrylic styles yarns. On a great day you would find Malabrigo, Tosh, Cascade Yarns and the like. If you've ever wanted to learn but may be intimidated by beginning, you are in good hands with Jennie as she can take the beginner and step you up into more complicated projects.

Our daughter is a rambling 8 year old and insists that we stop in to see Darcie every time we stop downtown. It's a store built just for her and she loves shopping for new shoes. We were in the other day and she disappeared to the side room for a few minutes and came out carrying some purple sneakers. Finally, something practical that she can wear everyday. She claimed that she was a size 1 and Darcie measured her at a 3 and thankfully had stock. I love shopping at Darcie's shop. Everyone is super friendly and I am able to get quality product at a good price. Sizing Emily's feet keeps us shopping in store rather than online and it becomes a good Daddy/Daughter date where we win every time. I'll let Darcie sell you on why these shoes are better for our kid's feet as she knows her product better than I ever could portray here.

Oh boy, our 10 year anniversary was fast approaching and I really wanted to do something special and worthy of all the times Heather has put up with my practicality. It was time to buck up and do it right and she had no idea. I was intimidated by the idea of choosing the right piece within my budget but Robert and Sue walked me through the process and I really had fun picking out an awesome diamond ring. They were great at figuring out what I liked and what I wanted to see her wearing. My first requirement was that the setting had to rounded on all sides as my wife is a knitter and she always complained about yarn catching on her posts which frustrated her for the entire length of our marriage. Long story short, the gift was given and she was totally shocked. She loves her ring and I am so thankful to Facets for helping me be great.

Carol's slogan is, "A shopping asylum for bead nuts!" Want to make friend and be social? Set aside some time and take a class. Everything that you learn (in concept) is yours forever so you can shop at Dancing Beads to build your own creations. In addition to having a huge selection of beads to sift through, Carol is such a warm and inviting person and she is so much fun to hang out with and talk to. From their website, "You'll be inspired by our innovative selection of workshops taught by supportive, talented instructors. See yourself seated at our comfortable table acquiring new talents as you make something uniquely yours. Our classes are about fun while we instruct you in the latest techniques and basic skills you'll need to realize your creative dreams." Dancing Beads is definitely a must see attraction in downtown Medford, be sure to stop in and say hello. I guarantee you'll sift and stare, I know I do.

This guy knows how to brew. If I ever decided to learn how to make some suds myself, I would beg these guys to drop some tips and tricks. Our downtown has an artisan vibe and Portal Brewing without a doubt screams artisan beer. I run hotel guests downtown from our hotel and I always recommend that flight crews start here and end up wherever when they are done. One stewardess claimed that she drank a lot of micro brew and that Portal's "Coconut Blonde" was THE best beer she had ever experienced. Not GOOD beer but the BEST beer ever. Their shop is a small corner pub with just their beer on tap and some food from a small kitchen. This is a definite must try if you trust a world travelling stewardess who awarded them "Best Beer Ever".